Multi-projector system gets
diverse

July 14/21, 2004

Researchers from Mitsubishi Electric Research
Laboratories have improved their multi-projector system to allow for the
use of unlike projectors. The system automatically combines and calibrates
the images from multiple networked projectors to create a single large
display.

The system makes it possible to move a multi-projector setup from
one part of a store to another, for instance, with little more effort
than moving the projectors. This will enable large-scale projection in
many more settings, including retail stores and outside building displays
at night, according to the researchers.

The underlying principle of the system is that each projector
is self-contained, but can sense neighboring projectors, determine their
geometric location, and cooperate to create a combined display.

Supporting different types of projectors will make it easier to
add new projectors to an existing set up, or for two people who each have
different portable projectors to share them to create a larger display,
according to the researchers.

Practical multi-projector systems could be produced in two to
five years, according to the researchers. The researchers presented the
work at the Society for Information Display (SIDS) International Symposium
2004 in Seattle, Washington, May 23 to 28.